Project Overview
Sonke is a South African-based non-profit organisation working throughout Africa. We believe women and men, girls and boys can work together to resist patriarchy, advocate for gender justice, and achieve gender transformation. With support from The Iren M. Staehelin Foundation (IMS) Advancement of Human Rights-based GBV and AIDS Equitable Services. Sonke Gender Justice: The prevention of Gender-based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) and the spread of HIV will be implemented in the Western Cape and Northern Cape South Africa
The overall project goal is to contribute to the realisation of human rights, gender equality and health equity in the response and prevention of Gender Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), and the spread of HIV and AIDS. The project aims to build empowered local communities that actively address social issues that directly or indirectly affect them within the Northern Cape and Western Cape provinces in South Africa.
Purpose of this Consultancy
The main purpose of the consultancy is to provide a benchmark from which to measure the progress of this phase of the programme through an in-depth situation analysis and assessment of GBV and gender inequality in the project areas. The baseline aims to get preliminary information related to GBV knowledge, community mobilization, government accountability and CBO networks in the implementing district, collecting and analyzing pre-intervention data related to the project performance questions and indicators. Baseline data will be used to sharpen project indicators and will facilitate monitoring of progress towards meeting project objectives during and at the end of implementation.
The objective of the baseline evaluation is to:
- Gather in-depth information on HIV/AIDS, GBVF and gender inequality in Francis Baart district.
- Gather relevant baseline data for the development of key project indicators to depict the actual situation in the project areas; and to create a benchmark for evaluating the project measuring results and impact throughout and at the end of the project period.
- Review and update the assumptions in the project’s Theory of Change (ToC)
- Identify any potential challenges or barriers to success that may need to be addressed before implementing the program or intervention.
- Review project indicators based on the main outcomes of the baseline study.
- Set baseline targets for the project across key areas in the Francis Baart district.
Background and context
Scaling up Sonke’s work in South Africa which is entrenched in its strategic principles of “Rights, Action and Accountability”, this project aims to strengthen the capacity of underserved and key population groups within the Northern and Western Cape provinces. This project will expand on Sonke’s intersectional and gender transformative approach with a focus on the role of men and boys as allies and key stakeholders in the prevention of GBVF by promoting positive masculinities and addressing harmful social norms.
The project will further build on the evidence-based approach by initializing formative research into the indigenous Khoi and San communities to build a body of knowledge and inform the phased expansion of Sonke’s current approach. This will be done through evidence-based results and recommendations for scaling up and replicating the current implementation model of the Gugulethu Men’s Wellness Programme based in the Western Cape Province. The project seeks to enhance collaboration in all spheres of the target communities, for increased social cohesion, including strengthening the capacity of civil society organizations to respond to GBVF and HIV, through enhanced, evidence-based planning and implementation.
Sonke believes that once underserved and key population communities are knowledgeable about their rights, there will be increased demand for GBVF and HIV prevention and response services, resulting in communities holding the government accountable for the delivery of rights-based, GBVF-equitable services. The impact of the above will contribute to the realization of human rights, health equity, gender equality and the prevention of GBVF and HIV.
Over the next three years, Sonke will build on its innovative community mobilization model to amplify the call for gender justice and accelerated action towards the prevention and elimination of violence and reduction of HIV infection. By increasing the linkages between community education and activism, rights literacy, media advocacy and the use of the law and legal processes at both the local and national levels to advance gender equality in South Africa, it is expected that the following will be achieved:
The overall project goal is to contribute to the realization of human rights, gender equality, and health equity and the response and prevention of GBVF, HIV and AIDS.
The work of the Wellness Centre engages men in social and gender norms and behaviours needed to achieve reductions in HIV and transform harmful gender norms and practices that perpetuate GBVF. Research has shown that women who experienced intimate partner violence are more likely to use contraceptive methods in secret or have a partner who refuses to use a condom. These women also experience a higher rate of unintended pregnancies, have more unsafe abortions, and are more likely to become pregnant as adolescents.
Forced and unprotected sex and related trauma increase the risk that women will be infected by STIs and HIV. The prevalence of STIs among women who have experienced violence is, at least, twice as high as in women who have not with statistics showing a strong correlation also between GBVF and HIV.
The work of the Wellness Centre aims to promote positive health seeking behaviours among men and increase uptake of medical health services such as screening for high blood pressure, diabetes and HIV testing. When men are empowered to utilize health services such as HIV testing and ART, this will contribute to a reduction in infection rates and violence against women and girls.
Through the Wellness Centers in the Western Cape and Northern Cape, Sonke aims to reach 93 379 men over a period of three years. These include engaging men in their own communities, with a local presence to strengthen outreach and have repeated interactions around several health and gender transformative messages with the community. Psychosocial services including support groups, form an important part of the Wellness Centre’s holistic approach, which includes information and services on gender-based violence, gender equality, and encouraging fathers to play with their children or to attend sessions on being a good father, through Sonke’s MenCare programme. The availability of a male nurse increases men’s willingness to access health services and to track their own health and wellness.
The Wellness Centre promotes wellness on a range of topics, including health, relationships, and family, whilst also providing support and counseling to advance health, gender equality, and wellness in the community. It provides an alternative social space for men to discuss the issues that they are confronted with in their daily lives, within the limited options in impoverished communities where many social ills are prevalent.
Description of the project
| Organization | Sonke Gender Justice |
| Title of the project | Prevention of Gender Based Violence (GBVF) and the spread of HIV Services in Northern Cape Francis Baart District Sol Plaatjie Municipality |
| Project duration | 01 February 2024 and ending 12 March 2024 |
| Geographical areas | Northern Cape Francis Baart District Sol Plaatjie Municipality |
| Objective 1: Communities across the Northern Cape and Western Cape are knowledgeable about their rights and take action to have these realized.Objective 2: Strengthen the Capacity of Community Actors to hold duty-bearers accountable.Objective 3: Media understanding of and reporting on GBV (legislation) is increased.Objective 4: Strengthen the capacity of underserved and key population groups on GBV, Human Rights and HIV and AIDS through the promotion of men and boys’ health seeking behaviours. Objective 5: Community-based organizations are comprehensively empowered to respond to GBVF and HIV and AIDS in their contexts for increased shared learning and better coordination in the Western and Northern Cape.Objective 6: Evidence based reporting on key lessons learned for improved program implementation. | |
| Description of targeted primary and secondary beneficiaries | Khoi and San communities, Adolescent girls and young women, Men and BoysCBO’s working in the field of GBV prevention. Communities and individuals Community leaders, women leadersDuty Bearers |
| Purpose of the baseline | The overall project purpose is to provide a benchmark from which to measure the progress of this phase of the programme through an in-depth situation analysis and assessment of GBV and gender inequality in the project areas |
Purpose of the evaluation
The main purpose of the consultancy is to provide a benchmark from which to measure the progress of this phase of the program through an in-depth situation analysis and assessment of GBV and gender inequality in the project areas.
The baseline aims to get preliminary information related to GBV knowledge, community mobilization, government accountability and CBO networks in the implementing district, collecting and analyzing pre-intervention data related to the project performance questions and indicators. Baseline data will be used to sharpen project indicators and will facilitate monitoring of progress towards meeting project objectives during and at the end of implementation.
The objective of the baseline evaluation is to:
- Gather in-depth information on HIV/AIDS, GBVF and gender inequality in Francis Baart district.
- Gather relevant baseline data for the development of key project indicators to depict the actual situation in the project areas; and to create a benchmark for evaluating the project measuring results and impact throughout and at the end of the project period.
- Review and update the assumptions in the project’s Theory of Change (ToC)
- Identify any potential challenges or barriers to success that may need to be addressed before implementing the program or intervention.
- Review project indicators based on the main outcomes of the baseline study.
- Set baseline targets for the project across key areas in the Francis Baart district.
Evaluation Objectives and Scope
Time Frame
This evaluation will take place between 01 February 2024 and ending 12 March 2024 when the final report will be due.
Geographical coverage
The evaluation will be undertaken in Northern Cape Francis Baart District Sol Plaatjie Municipality
Target Groups
This evaluation will target individuals, communities and government, CBOs who are active in GBV prevention.
Evaluation design and methodology
Proposed data collection methods and analysis
Both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods should be used through a combination of field visits, desk studies (reviewing project documents, annual progress reports and other relevant evaluation documentation), and additional primary data collection required. Data collection tools should be developed making use of the project monitoring and evaluation framework, with questions linked to outcome and if applicable output indicators. All qualitative data must be recorded and transcribed accordingly to ensure data quality. Data analysis should be conducted on Stata, SPSS, or any other relevant software. Additional follow-up field visits should take place to fill in any knowledge gaps and further validate findings.
Data sources
Both primary and secondary data sources should be used, the proposed data sources include but should not be limited to:
- Desk review on GBV policies, laws, and programmes. Relevant project documents such as the concept note, M&E framework, and phase 1 summative evaluation to also be reviewed.
- Quantitative data is to be collected through a representative survey.
- Qualitative data to be collected through focus group discussions and/or key informant interviews.
Proposed sampling methods
For the quantitative methodology, a reliable sample size should be calculated for each of the areas. The baseline survey will entail qualitative methodology in both provinces to produce reliable information on key trends and themes to accompany quantitative information on indicators. Both primary and secondary beneficiaries should be selected via stratified random sampling/proportional random sampling considering beneficiary type, geographic area and any other key defining factor decided by the evaluator.
Field Visits
Field visits should be conducted across the implementing areas in the Francis Baart district.
Evaluation ethics
In preparing the proposal the evaluator/s must put in place specific safeguards and protocols to protect the safety (both physical and psychological) of respondents and those collecting the data as well as to prevent harm. Members of the evaluation team should understand and be sensitive to the political, socio-economic, historical, and cultural context across sites where data collection occurs and ensure the rights of the individual are protected and participation in the evaluation does not result in further violation of their rights. The evaluator/s must have a plan in place to:
- Protect the rights of respondents, including privacy and confidentiality in line with the POPI Act provisions.
- Elaborate on how informed consent will be obtained and to ensure that the names of individuals consulted during data collection will not be made public.
- If the project involves children (under 18 years old) the evaluator/s must consider additional risks and the need for parental consent.
- The evaluator/s must be trained in collecting sensitive information and specifically data relating to violence against women and select any members of the evaluation team on these issues.
- Data collection tools must be designed in a way that is culturally appropriate and does not create distress for respondents. And should be inclusive.
- Data collection visits should be organized at the appropriate time and place to minimize risk to respondents.
- The interviewer or data collector must be able to provide information on how individuals in situations of risk can seek support (referrals to organizations that can provide counseling support, for example)
- Evaluators must adhere to the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPI Act) and ensure that confidentiality of individuals and data collection is preserved.
Key deliverables of the evaluator and timeframe
| No. | Deliverable | Deadline |
| 1 | Evaluation Inception Report | By 13 February 2024 |
| 2 | Draft Evaluation Report + key findings presentation | By 1 March 2024 |
| 3 | Final Evaluation Report | By 12 March 2023 |
Evaluation team composition
Roles and responsibilities
The lead and co lead evaluator will be responsible for undertaking the evaluation from start to finish and for managing the evaluation team under the supervision of evaluation task manager from Sonke Gender Justice for the data collection and analysis, as well as report drafting and finalization in English.
Required Competencies
Team lead and co lead:
- Evaluation experience at least 10 years in conducting external evaluations, with mixed-methods evaluation skills and having flexibility in using non-traditional and innovative evaluation methods.
- Expertise in gender and human-rights-based approaches to evaluation and issues of violence against women and girls.
- Experience with program design and theory of change, gender-responsive evaluation, participatory approaches, and stakeholder engagement.
- Specific evaluation experiences in the areas of ending violence against women and girls.
- Experience in collecting and analysing quantitative and qualitative data as well as data visualization.
- In-depth knowledge of gender equality and women’s empowerment.
- A strong commitment to delivering timely and high-quality results, i.e., credible evaluation and a report that can be used.
- A strong team leadership and management track record, as well as interpersonal and communication skills to help ensure that the evaluation is understood and used.
- Good communication skills and ability to communicate with various stakeholders and to express concisely and clearly ideas and concepts.
- Regional/Country experience and knowledge: in-depth knowledge of South Africa
- Language proficiency: fluency in English; and a good command of the local language such as Setswana, and Afrikaans, are desirable.
Management Arrangements of the evaluation
The overall evaluation will be managed by Sonke’s Research Monitoring Evaluation and Learning (RMEL) unit. Evaluators will liaise with the Sonke RMEL unit and program staff for relevant project documentation and clarification, assistance in liaising and connecting with relevant stakeholders and primary and secondary beneficiaries. The Sonke RMEL unit will also set up feedback/check-in sessions to discuss any further support or clarification required.
Budget
The total budget for the evaluation is R300 000 which includes all travel costs for the evaluation team.
